SBSS

Space Based Space Surveillance

Keeping an eye out in space

Space can be a hazardous place for a satellite. Collision with a piece of space junk, a natural hazard like a meteorite, or one of the more than 1,000 satellites orbiting the Earth could severely damage or destroy a spacecraft.

But, with the help of the SBSS satellite, an addition to the U.S. Air Force Space Surveillance Network, we can ensure that the nation’s valuable space assets remain safe. SBSS detects and tracks space objects and spacecraft without interference from weather, atmosphere or time of day.

Managed by the Space and Missile Systems Center, SBSS is an essential element in achieving a full Space Situational Awareness capability. The satellite was launched Sept. 25, 2010 with an expected orbital life of at least five-and-a-half years.

SBSS spacecraft bus

What we did

Spacecraft & technology provider, integration & test lead

As a member of the Boeing SBSS team, we were responsible for the development, manufacturing, integration, performance validation and delivery of the entire space segment. With increased capacity and improved timeliness, sensitivity and overall flexibility, our agile gimbaled visible sensor can determine space objects with high accuracy.